Regulations for the Degree of Master of Design (MDes)

  1. The Personal Programmes of Study Regulations apply in these regulations.

 

Admission

  1. Candidates for the Degree must have
    1. qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Design awarded by the University of Waikato with a minimum average grade of B, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
    2. qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Design with Honours awarded by the University of Waikato with at least second class honours (second division), or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
    3. qualified for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Design awarded by the University of Waikato with a minimum average grade of B, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, and
    4. satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
  2. In exceptional circumstances, based on academic merit and relevant experience, candidates who do not meet the requirements of section 2 of these regulations may be considered for admission subject to the completion of any qualifying papers the Academic Board may prescribe which must be completed either prior to or concurrently.

 

Requirements for the Degree

  1. The normal minimum period of enrolment for completion of the Degree for candidates admitted under section 2(a) of these regulations is one calendar year or one and a half academic years. The normal minimum period of enrolment for candidates admitted under sections 2(b) or 2(c) of these regulations is one academic year.
  2. Candidates must enrol in the Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science and follow an approved programme of study.
  3. Candidates admitted under section 2(a) of these regulations must gain 180 points at 500 level. Candidates admitted under sections 2(b) or 2(c) of these regulations must gain 120 points at 500 level.
  4. Candidates must complete a specified programme as prescribed in the Design Subject Regulations, and must pass all papers on the first attempt.
  5. Candidates must include a dissertation or thesis in their programme of study.

 

Award of Honours

  1. In accordance with criteria approved for this purpose by the Academic Board, the Degree may be awarded with
    1. First Class Honours, or
    2. Second Class Honours (first division), or
    3. Second Class Honours (second division),

or without honours.

 

Variations

  1. The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division or delegated authority may vary or waive these regulations in individual cases.